Review: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet · Black
By Kitchen Expert
Di Doherty
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet · Black
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The Curated Take
3.8/5
The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is ideal for those who appreciate the art of cooking and want a durable, versatile pan that excels in heat distribution for evenly cooked meals. It's suitable for various cooking methods, from stovetop to oven, making it a great choice for chefs of all levels looking for a skillet that can handle everything from searing meats to baking cornbread. While its heavy weight and specific care requirements might deter some, its longevity and performance offer excellent value. This skillet is a kitchen staple and is suitable for individuals or small families who value quality cookware that improves with age.
Ideal for
- Excellent heat distribution results in evenly browned and cooked food
- Both stovetop and oven safe
- Well-cared for cast iron will last generations
Not ideal for
- Cast iron is heavy
- Not dishwasher safe and requires extra care and maintenance
Quality
I own a variety of Lodge's products, including a 10.25" skillet, a 12" skillet, a vintage deep skillet, a pizza pan, and a loaf pan. I haven't had any issues...Read more
Weight
One of the issues with cast iron is that the softness of the metal makes it so that anything made from it is thick. That means that compared to 8"...Read more
Heat Distribution
This skillet can keep oil or water at an even simmer. I've also used it as an ersatz double boiler by putting a glass bowl in it halfway submerged in...Read more
Handle Quality
The handles are part of the mold rather than being riveted on later (most cast iron skillets are made this way). It sticks straight out, meaning that it isn't up...Read more
Size
An 8" skillet is a standard size that is excellent for a single person. It can make a couple of fried eggs, a small serving of fries, melt chocolate for...Read more
Maintenance
This skillet comes pre-seasoned, so one can start using it right away. Lodge usually only does one layer of seasoning, so I like to add additional layers before using the...Read more
Curated Experts are not sponsored by brands. Their reviews are based on their honest experiences testing products.
Di Doherty
About the kitchen products
- Model: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet · Black
Test conditions
- When I bought this: 2020
- Where I’ve used it: At home
- How many times I've used it: 75
Expert Reviews of the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Di Doherty I have several different pieces of Lodge cookware, including an 8" cast iron skillet. I use my skillet to make breakfast or dinner for myself, as the smaller capacity is just right for one or two people. It’s great for eggs, resulting in an evenly cooked and browned omelet—I’ve even popped it under the broiler to finish it. The high sides make it excellent for sautéing and frying. I’ve used to it fry French fries in oil, and it keeps the oil at an even simmer.
It also handles the oven very well, as I made a skillet cornbread that came out with a wonderful texture and beautifully browned sides. The seasoning creates a nonstick coating, so the cornbread was easy to remove from the skillet, too.
Like all cast iron, the pan is heavy. As I only have the 8", it’s by no means unwieldy, but it’s quite a bit heavier than a stainless steel or copper skillet of the same size. Cast iron always needs to be washed by hand, and it helps if I apply a thin coat of oil after every washing, as this helps preserve the seasoning.
If one doesn’t mind the weight and a bit of maintenance, Lodge makes high-quality cookware in the USA at affordable prices. For those looking for a well-made, multipurpose skillet that’ll last a lifetime, they need look no further.
Product Specs
| Features | Induction safe, Oven safe, Broiler safe, PTFE-free |
| Material | Cast Iron |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
Review Ratings
Quality
5/5
Di Doherty gave 5 of 5 stars. I own a variety of Lodge's products, including a 10.25" skillet, a 12" skillet, a vintage deep skillet, a pizza pan, and a loaf pan. I haven't had any issues in terms of defects, uneven cooking surfaces, or damage. This skillet is also well-made, with a surface that takes seasoning well and no nicks, dents, or uneven spots.
Weight
3/5
Di Doherty gave 3 of 5 stars. One of the issues with cast iron is that the softness of the metal makes it so that anything made from it is thick. That means that compared to 8" skillets made of other materials, like carbon steel or stainless steel, it's heavy. But I wouldn't say it's heavier than other cast iron skillets. It's easy enough to lift and carry by the handle, and shifting it around on the stove isn't difficult.
Heat Distribution
5/5
Di Doherty gave 5 of 5 stars. This skillet can keep oil or water at an even simmer. I've also used it as an ersatz double boiler by putting a glass bowl in it halfway submerged in water. I used this to melt white baking chocolate, which is notorious for scorching (most recipes suggest melting it by adding warm water or milk to it for that reason). I also made a skillet cornbread in it, which came out evenly browned and cooked through. It even came out of the pan easily.
Handle Quality
3/5
Di Doherty gave 3 of 5 stars. The handles are part of the mold rather than being riveted on later (most cast iron skillets are made this way). It sticks straight out, meaning that it isn't up away from the heat of the burner, and as the metal is conductive, it'll get hot while being used on the stove.
Lodge does sell silicone or fabric handle covers for that purpose, but that's an extra investment. And while I wouldn't say that the handle's uncomfortable to hold, I don't know that I'd qualify it as comfortable either. The fact that the pan is all metal makes it fully oven and broiler-safe.
Size
4/5
Di Doherty gave 4 of 5 stars. An 8" skillet is a standard size that is excellent for a single person. It can make a couple of fried eggs, a small serving of fries, melt chocolate for baking, or make a one-person stir fry.
Maintenance
3/5
Di Doherty gave 3 of 5 stars. This skillet comes pre-seasoned, so one can start using it right away. Lodge usually only does one layer of seasoning, so I like to add additional layers before using the pan, but it isn't necessary. Once in a while, I need to redo the seasoning on my pan, particularly if I don't use them as often.
Beyond that, it requires special care in terms of not using too much soap when washing it and then putting a coat of oil on it before storing it. Avoiding acidic foods like tomatoes or lemons also helps keep the seasoning in good shape for longer.
FAQs
What do you love about this product?
Di Doherty This skillet offers consistent results. I've used it to make skillet cornbread, omelets, fried eggs, grilled cheese, melted chocolate, and pan-fried French fries. I get an evenly browned exterior and a fully cooked interior every time. The heat retention also makes it excellent for baking, as the skillet cornbread turned out with a gorgeous browned outside and a moist interior.
Over time, I've added to the seasoning, making the pan highly nonstick. It's not perfect, of course—some egg will stick to it—but cleaning it out is simple, and most foods come off with a rinse.
Why did you choose this product?
Di Doherty My mom has loved her cast iron skillet for as long as I can remember. When I moved out, I got my own Lodge skillet. It was a different variety than this one, but I love that one and the carbon steel pan I got from Lodge, so getting a smaller skillet from them was a no-brainer.
I wanted an 8" skillet because I sometimes make smaller recipes, like an omelet, a single serving of fries, or a burger. Making those in a larger skillet is unwieldy and takes longer to heat up.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Di Doherty Lodge is known for making high-quality cast iron for affordable prices. I'd say it's quite good value for the money. While it's not the cheapest option out there, compared to others also made in the U.S., like Finex, it's a steal. The skillet is plain but well-made and will last a lifetime.
